Policy Briefings:Freshman Priorities

The largest collection of House freshmen in almost two decades  theyre fully 22 percent of the chambers membership  has been in office for two months now. As a class, theyve gained attention across the country and around the world because the arrival of 87 new Republicans (and just nine new Democrats) heralds the revival of a GOP majority after four years on the outs  and the return of divided government for the second half of President Barack Obamas term.

The Obama administration is taking steps to separate the American people from the land that feeds and clothes them. Federal agencies are looking for more ways to regulate our daily lives, and every week they overreach their authority.

Jobs and the economy are still the No. 1 issue in America and in Congress, but the spending spree that has defined the past two years has done nothing to rein in unemployment and create the jobs that are needed to get our economy moving again.

During his State of the Union speech and again with the unveiling of his budget three weeks ago, President Barack Obamas tagline has been that government innovation and investment will enable us to win the future.

Few things are more important to Americans than the health and well-being of their children. As a mother, I know what it is like to worry about your daughter when she goes to the mall with friends or walks to the school bus stop.

Can a Louisiana engraving equipment firm illustrate the path to win the future? Yes. Xenetech Global Inc. revolutionized the computerized engraving industry last year with the Duo Desktop, which combines two technologies into one machine. An Export Express loan through Hancock Bank and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration helped Xenetech take the Duo global.

Everyone understands the reality that the federal government is operating in the midst of a debt-driven crisis. Every dollar we spend must be closely examined in terms of effectiveness. Taxpayers rightly demand and deserve a good return on their investments.

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March 13, 2015

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., right, hugs Harold Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, after the Congressman spoke at the IAFF's Legislative Conference General Session at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, March 9, 2015. The day featured addresses by members of Congress and Vice President Joe Biden.